The Oregon Republican Party has voted overwhelmingly to oppose Measure 118, which would create the biggest tax increase of any kind in state history. Oregonians who support local small businesses and those who are tired of watching inflation eat away at paychecks should join us in voting “NO” on this annual $6.8 billion new tax.

Many aspects of Measure 118 are misleading, beginning with the claim that it will affect only big businesses. While companies with more than $25 million in annual sales would pay the 3% tax, every dollar would be passed along to buyers. Make no mistake: this is a sales tax on every Oregonian!

Everything small businesses buy from larger businesses would cost more. This includes electricity, fuel, raw materials, manufactured goods, transportation services, insurance, and advertising. These Oregon-only costs would make it more difficult if not impossible for local businesses to compete against businesses outside of the state.

Businesses of all sizes, meanwhile, would be forced to pass along these higher costs to Oregonians. If Measure 118 passes, the $1600 “rebate” each taxpayer would receive would be dwarfed by the necessity of paying even higher prices for groceries, medicine, utilities, gasoline, clothing and just about everything else Oregonians struggle to afford already. Inflation has soared 22% since 2020, according to the State of Oregon’s inflation calculator. Oregonians need a break, not a massive tax increase that will drive prices even higher.

Measure 118 is misleading, misguided, and harmful to Oregonians and to Oregon small businesses. We urge all Oregonians to help defeat it by voting “NO” in November.

Dr. Angela Plowhead
Oregon Republican Party Vice-Chair
Business Owner